Sharjah’s cultural institutions explored avenues for collaboration with the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (Iccrom) and cultural institutions in Rome, Italy, to preserve cultural heritage, a report said.

A delegation, led by Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations (DGR) in Sharjah, highlighted the emirate’s projects and efforts to protect and preserve cultural heritage through comprehensive and sustainable development plans, Emirates News Agency, WAM, said.

The discussions asserted the global importance of cultural heritage and aimed at addressing challenges posed by environmental, societal, and political changes.

The talks also evaluated the most effective practices for conserving and restoring heritage. Particular emphasis was placed on developing the training sector, enhancing professional capacities and fostering partnerships dedicated to preserving global heritage.

Aruna Francesca Maria Gujral, Iccrom's Director-General, welcomed the Sharjah delegation at the centre’s headquarters and discussed the achievements and projects of the Iccrom-Sharjah, which enjoys generous support from HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

During the visit, the delegation affirmed the commitment of the Sharjah-based Athar Iccrom Regional Centre to attaining its goals manifested in the conservation of cultural heritage in the Arab world.

The Sharjah delegation emphasised that the centre has been working for more than six decades to protect heritage within the borders of the member states and beyond.

Sheikh Fahim emphasised that heritage preservation is vital and requires a collective global approach. He also highlighted the importance of cooperation and cultural and scientific exchange between Sharjah and Iccrom.

In collaboration with the UAE embassy in Rome and Iccrom-Sharjah, several field visits were organised for the Sharjah delegation to several cultural sites in Rome, including the Maxxi – National Museum of 21st Century Arts, designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the National Roman Museum, Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Roma, and the Colosseum.

The Sharjah Museums Authority shared its vision, mission, and programmes, reflecting the diversity and richness of Sharjah and the UAE's cultural and historical heritage.

The Sharjah delegation engaged with several Italian cultural institutions, including specialists from the Borghese Archaeological Museum and the Colosseum Museum Group, showcasing the authority's initiatives in using AI for digitising Sharjah's cultural heritage through 3D documentation of over 1,600 artefacts and inscriptions, augmented reality for over 600 pieces, and virtual reality reconstructions of archaeological sites.